Congratulations to our December 2023 first-generation college graduates. During Fall commencement, the university celebrated at least 100 undergraduates and 20 graduate students who identified as first-generation college students. 

A student is defined as first generation if neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) at a four-year college or university in the U.S.

The celebration for first-generation college graduates at Georgia Tech was created in May 2022 to recognize the accomplishments of graduates through a pinning ceremony, dinner, and words of encouragement. Students who attend the event receive a graduation lapel pin, which states “Georgia Tech First-Generation Graduate”, so they can show their pride on their regalia at Commencement. 

The ceremony was held on December 14, 2023, and began with Dr. Charmaine Troy, Associate Director of First-Generation Student Initiatives, and Michael Fulton II, President of the newly formed First-Generation Alumni Association, sharing a message of congratulations and inviting students to stay connected to the first-generation community at Georgia Tech as alumni.

During the pinning ceremony within the event, families and friends were invited to add the lapel pin to the graduate’s gown and share encouraging words with their graduate over the microphone for the audience to learn more about the graduate’s journey.

The stories we hear families and friends share about their graduates are the most rewarding part of the First-Generation Recognition Ceremony. Some highlights include:

• One graduate’s wife and daughter shared their respect for his service as a veteran, his dedication as a father, and how remarkable it is that he reached his goal of graduating from Georgia Tech. 
• Another graduate’s father shared how his son is already an incredible leader and will accomplish much in life because of his dedication. 
• A graduate’s partner shared how the graduate’s family is proud of her and how she can accomplish her graduate school goals if she chooses to pursue another degree in the future. 
• A brother also shared a message about how the graduate made their family proud by completing her degree as a first-generation student.

First-Generation Student Org Highlight

Jamiah Campbell served as the First-Generation Student Organization Vice President last year, the President of the student org during her final semester at Tech, and previously worked as a Student Assistant with Dr. Charmaine Troy in the First-Generation Student Initiatives department. We are grateful for the leadership she demonstrated as a first-gen student and wish her the best with the full-time position she will begin soon.

Want to learn more about First-Generation and Limited Income Student Initiatives at Georgia Tech?

Visit us at firstgen.gatech.edu Follow us @gtf1rst on Instagram and X (Twitter).